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Toronto Blue Jays are having big problems with Vladimir Guerrero Jr
Photo credit: Yahoo Sports
With proven power hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Anthony Santander in the lineup, it's understandable why fans might expect the team to be among the league leaders in home runs. That clearly hasn't been the case so far this season.
After signing Guerrero Jr. to an extension, the Blue Jays haven't been the same.
Jake Elman from Yahoo Sports writes that the Blue Jays didn't hit a home run in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, leaving their season total at 23. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals belted seven homers against the Baltimore Orioles, bringing their total to 25 and dropping the Blue Jays to last place in the majors for home runs.
"In fairness, perhaps we shouldn't be too shocked. Toronto hit 156 home runs last year, the fifth-worst mark of any team amid their 88-loss campaign. The Blue Jays ranked 16th in 2023, so it's not precedented for them to rank nowhere near the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers." -Elman
Still, the Blue Jays' lineup features proven power threats. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recently signed a 14-year, $500 million deal, reflecting his strong track record, averaging 34 home runs, a .887 OPS, and 4.6 bWAR per season from 2021 to 2024.
"Santander mashed 105 homers during the last three seasons, and Bichette has an established power stroke. Although four-time All-Star right fielder George Springer isn't the player he once was, he's nonetheless hitting .322 and on pace for arguably his best Blue Jays campaign." -Elman
Elman also writes that given their payroll of over $246 million, the Blue Jays should certainly not be at the bottom in home runs, especially when teams like the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, who are poised to lose 100+ games, have hit more.
"The Blue Jays still have plenty of time to turn things around, and they likely will, barring any significant injuries. However, it's still strange to think the Blue Jays have so few home runs nearly a quarter into the season." -Elman
The Blue Jays will enjoy the day off before heading to California on Tuesday to face the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
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MAI 6 | 2666 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays are having big problems with Vladimir Guerrero Jr Do you think the Blue Jays can turn things around this season? | ||
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